Firstly, he's just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Secondly, he's gay - a fact he shared only with Oliver's late mother. Following her death, Hal has decided to come out of the closet in spectacular fashion. He acquires a younger boyfriend, Andy (Goran Visnjic), and resolves to make the most of his new lifestyle in the time he has left.

Oliver, in turn, seeks to find the strength to confront deep-rooted commitment issues as his love for Anna deepens. Told in flashback after Hal's death, this is a deeply personal project for director Mike Mills, whose relationship with his own father closely paralleled the storyline.

Screenplay: Mike Mills Distributor: Universal

You should see it because: An authentic, quirky, touching and sweetly funny portrait of complex family relationships, 'Beginners' boasts excellent performances from its two stars.

See it if you liked: Thumbsucker (2005), The Last Station (2009), A Single Man (2009)